Griffins strike first, but not often in 3-1 loss to Texas

Petr Mrazek gave up three goals on 35 shots in a 3-1 loss to Texas on Saturday, March 30.Photo courtesy of Griffins

CEDAR PARK, Texas – Despite peppering the Texas Stars’ net with 43 shots, the Grand Rapids Griffins only managed one goal in a 3-1 loss on Saturday at the Cedar Park Center.

After taking an initial 1-0 lead, the Griffins surrendered three unanswered goals to the Stars en route to their 3-1 victory. Goaltender Jack Campbell recorded 42 saves in Texas’ win.

Jan Mursak put Grand Rapids (38-23-3-3) on the scoreboard first at 14:16 of the first period. The right wing walked into the left wing corner and made a quick spin towards the net, tucking his shot inside the right hand corner of the net on a sharp angle.

Texas (39-17-5-6) tied the game at one just over one minute later. The initial shot by the Stars was blocked by Brennan Evans, but the rebound bounced right to Justin Dowling in the slot 12 feet away from the net. Dowling fired it home to tie the game at 15:43.

The Stars took a one-goal lead at 19:52 of the first period. Travis Morin took a centering pass from Colton Sceviour and tipped it home past Petr Mrazek with only eight seconds left in the period.

In a scoreless second period, the Griffins recorded 17 shots on net while the Stars tallied 15.

Matt Fraser gave Texas a two-goal lead on a power play goal at 13:37 of the final period. Travis Morin kept the puck alive in the left point area and swept the puck to Fraser, who snuck his shot inside the left goal past Mrazek. The score was the left wing’s AHL-leading 33rd goal of the season.